DIY Mini Calendar and Journal

DIY Mini Calendar and Journal

DIY Mini Calendar and Journal

July 5, 2012Alison Faulkner

I don’t care if it ages me, I cannot for the life of me keep track of all the crap I have to do unless I make a list on PAPER. No, not with a quill and parchment, but with a cute notebook and a good ‘ol Bic. Even if I put things in the calendar on my phone, I need to also have them written down. I like being able to whip out a calendar, WHILE TALKING ON THE PHONE, and say, “Yes, I can hit up Cafe Rio on Friday”.

I also like to plan my life in 3-4 month increments. And that is why I started making these mini calendar/journals. I can throw them in my purse, personalize the dates, and decorate them (or not decorate them) any way I please.

I figured maybe there are still some people out there who like to use writing utensils, and you might be interested in a mini calendar/journal too!

I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with a new-to-me product, these little Gelatos™ from Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft. The only way I can describe them is like a chapstick of brilliant color. They glide like a lipstick across your paper, fabric, or wood, and you can add water to them for a watercolor effect. I really really like them. And because I am a proud “Brand Ambassador” I’ve used them to help embellish my mini printable calendar and journals.

To make these giftable as well, I also used the Gelatos™ to decorate some muslin bags. Whether you make a journal or not these bags are adorable for gifting. Drop some treats in there and you’re good to go.

So, without further ado, I give you yet another episode of The Alison Show. And yes, there is dancing.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE PAGES OF THE MINI CALENDAR

1. Pages 1 & 2 are intended for a half-sheet notebook. Print as many as you’d like to fill up your journal.
2. I recommend printing on heavier copy paper (30lb).
3. Fold the sheets in half, keep calendar/ list side facing up.
4. Stuff your book by alternating calendar pages and “Get it done” pages.
5. For more bulk add folded blank sheets to the center.
6. Follow my instructions (in the video) for sewing the cover on your journal.
7. For a quarter-sheet notebook, print as many of page 3 as you’d like.
8. Cut your paper in half (so one half is 5.5” x 8.5”).
9. Fold your sheets in half and make book according to above directions.
10. Add your months and dates to your calendar!

I thought I was the only person left who still had a paper calendar and to do list. It just feels more permanent than putting it on the phone and there is something very satisfying about physically crossing things off a list once they are accomplished. Great DIY!

Oh boy…these little paint things look so great. I am in the middle of a skirt project where I am painting my fabric with kind of a similar technique and I feel like these would have been a lot easier! Thanks for the tip.